That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

EPHESIANS 3:16KJV
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Ephesians 3:16 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 3:16 mean?

Ephesians 3:16 describes Paul’s prayer that God would give believers inner strength through the Holy Spirit, drawing from the abundance of God’s glory. Paul is asking that Christians be empowered deep within themselves, not just outwardly, by God’s own Spirit.

Paul, writing to the church in Ephesus, is sharing a heartfelt prayer for them. He wants them to experience real spiritual strength, not based on their own ability, but on God’s limitless resources. This verse comes in the middle of a longer prayer, showing Paul’s desire for believers to be deeply rooted and strong in their faith.

The Greek behind Ephesians 3:16

  • "Strengthened" (κραταιωθῆναι, krataiōthēnai) means to be made strong or empowered. Here, it points to an inner strengthening, not just physical or emotional, but a deep spiritual fortifying.
  • "Might" (δυνάμει, dynamei) refers to power or strength, often understood as the kind of power that comes from God, not human effort. Paul is emphasizing that this strength is divine.
  • "Inner man" (ἔσω ἄνθρωπον, esō anthrōpon) means the inner self, the core of a person—thoughts, will, and spirit—rather than the outward, physical person. Paul is focusing on transformation that happens inside, at the heart level.

Why Ephesians 3:16 matters

  • Ephesians 3:16 clarifies that true spiritual strength comes from God’s Spirit working inside a person, not from external circumstances or personal willpower.
  • The verse highlights the vastness of God’s resources ("the riches of his glory"), reminding readers that God’s ability to strengthen is unlimited.
  • This prayer connects to the larger theme of Ephesians, where Paul encourages believers to live out their faith with confidence, knowing they are empowered by God himself.

Where else these words appear

“strengthened” Greek G2901 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
  • Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

“inner” Greek G2080 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
  • Mark 15:16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
  • Acts 5:23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

“riches” Greek G4149 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
  • Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
  • Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

“might” Greek G1411 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.